Warriors mailbag: Which record will the Warriors break next?

Share this:

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) runs down the court ahead of New Orleans Pelicans’ E’Twaun Moore (55) in the fourth quarter during their NBA game at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)

OAKLAND — The Warriors seemingly make history every time they step on the court. That is just what happens when Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green play basketball.

Curry matched his career-high at Oracle Arena with a 51-point performance against the Wizards. Durant scored 25 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Against the Bulls, Thompson set an NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game (14). In the Warriors win over the Pelicans, they logged an NBA season-high 39 assists.

That led to some wondering what milestone the Warriors will achieve next. Before we answer those, here are some housekeeping items. I explained how Green remains driven to the win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award again. My colleague, Logan Murdock, has an update on DeMarcus Cousins’ rehab as well as a preview for when the Warriors (8-1) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-4) on Friday at Oracle Arena.

Send more for future Warriors mailbags to me on Twitter or by following our coverage via our free email newsletter, Warriors HQ. Also, sign up for my text messaging service here and you can get around-the-clock updates and answers to your Warriors questions sent directly to your phone.

I wouldn’t be surprised. Steph is kind of a good shooter, and has gone a ridiculous 52.9 percent from 3-point range. It’s still only November, but he is also on pace to make an NBA record 500 3-pointers this season. And after Thompson’s record-breaking night, Steph admitted that he would love to break his record. After all, Steph helped Klay break his previous NBA record of 13 3-pointers against New Orleans on Nov. 7, 2016.

Steph is definitely deserving of his third MVP. Because of his hot shooting, Curry could easily have the scoring title. But I don’t see this happening for two reasons. One, NBA voters love narratives and Steph’s rise is not a new story. Two, the ridiculous scores will taper off with time and improved adjustment to how officials are calling the amid under the so-called ‘Freedom of Movement’ initiatives. Third, Steph is not a high-volume shooter and has other top scorers in KD and Klay to spread it around. That being said, Steph always has a way of defying expectations so anything can happen.

None. The Warriors are winning the NBA title again. Sure, throw in the caveat that they have to stay healthy. Sure, the Warriors might have games/periods where they show complacency. But those issues are mere speed bumps en route to another championship parade.

what’s with Quinn Cook’s lack of playing time? is the coaching staff losing trust in him or is it mostly a matchup issue?

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has chalked it up to experimenting with different lineups. That’s the main reason, but I will admit I am surprised with Cook’s lack of much run given his promising season last year, Shaun Livingston’s recent injury issues and Jacob Evan’s inexperience. Another factor: Alfonzo McKinnie has pleasantly surprised the Warriors with each passing game. But my hunch is Cook will get some minutes, too. He might be frustrated, but he’s remained a pro about it.

any details on boogie looking heated at AD and Gentry after the NOP game?

I did not notice this exchange since I jet to the press room and locker room after I immediately file a story for our paper and website. But it wouldn’t be surprising. As detailed here, Boogie told the Warriors to beat the Pelicans. And the Warriors admitted they wanted to win on his behalf.

with so many teams ramping up their 3’s are they making any preparations and adjustments as to how to best defend the 3pt line?

That is an interesting question, and actually something I considered addressing in the next few days. Kerr has stressed to his team that it cannot rely on its offense alone. At some point, even the Warriors will have bad offensive games. Playoff games will call for a slower pace and defensive-oriented game. That being said, it is hard to measure what constitutes a ‘good defensive’ performance anymore. It’s a given all teams will score 100 + points every night.

Hi, Mark.

What can we expect from McKinnie in the next few years in the cast? And you think McCaw's situation is reversible so he can come back?

No clarity on Cousins’ return. Don’t hold your breath on anything imminent. As for McKinnie, the Warriors have no idea. They are just enjoying how he has immediately provided an upgrade at their wing position this season. Which brings us to McCaw, there’s no way he’s wearing a Warriors uniform ever again. The Warriors are publicly holding the door open because they are a classy organization and they hold all the leverage. So no need to get in a war of words publicly over it. Also, if McCaw wanted to come back, he would have already. He has no other options.

This is an important question, indeed, from my colleague. Still need to give a few more listens before offering a full review on Lil Wayne’s latest work. I like most of it. Nothing touches Carter III and Carter II. but need to figure out where Carter 5 ranks in this mix. Here’s my order after Carter III and II: Carter IV, Carter, Lights Out!, I Am Not a Human Being, Rebirth, 500 Degeez and Tha Block is Hot. I could do without I Am Not a Human Being II.

Thanks for all the questions! Again, send more questions for future Warriors mailbags to me on Twitter or by following our coverage via our free email newsletter, Warriors HQ. Also, sign up for my text messaging service here and you can get around-the-clock updates and answers to your Warriors questions sent directly to your phone.